Fitting device, system and method for fitting a cochlear implant

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a system for fitting a cochlea implant that has a plurality of stimulation electrodes is disclosed. The system comprises a fitting device and a cochlear implant communicatively connected to the fitting device. The cochlear implant comprises an electrode lead with a plurality of stimulation electrodes forming an electrode array, a stimulation unit to generate stimulation pulses to be emitted via individual stimulation electrodes in controlled manner with an adjustable stimulation intensity and a sound processing unit for generating a stimulation intensity control signal for each electrode depending on frequency ranges assigned to each individual electrode and a respective signal strength of an input signal in a respective frequency range.The fitting device comprises a graphical display and a user interface providing input means. The fitting device being configured tocommunicate data to and / or from the cochlear implant, wherein the data represent, for each stimulation electrode of the cochlear implant, parameter values defining a frequency range and parameter values defining at least two stimulation intensity levels, including a threshold level (T-level) for each individual stimulation electrode of the cochlear implant and todisplay on the display, for each electrode, a graphic representation of the parameter values that define a stimulation intensity range and a frequency range in a two dimensional matrix wherein one dimension is assigned to frequency whereas the other dimension is assigned to stimulation intensity, wherein the stimulation intensity ranges and the frequency ranges of all electrodes are displayed simultaneously.

Description

FIELD[0001]The disclosure refers to cochlear implants. In particular, the disclosure relates to a fitting device, system and method for fitting a cochlear implant.BACKGROUND[0002]Cochlear implants are hearing assistance devices that are surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.[0003]Hearing aids capture sound, convert it into electric sound signals, amplify and filter the electric signals, convert the electric signals in amplified sound and send the amplified through the normal auditory channel. These hearing aids are designed for people with slight to moderately severe perceptive hearing loss.[0004]In cases of severe to profound hearing loss, these hearing aids are not powerful enough. If the ear damage is too severe, amplifying sound using a traditional hearing aid are generally not helpful. The cochlear implant overcomes this by sending a signal derived from captured sound directly to the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a method for fitting a set of electrodes to a user's needs. The method automatically adjusts the parameters of the inserted electrodes based on user input. This results in smooth adjustments of neighboring parameters, which can often be difficult to achieve manually. The method offers greater flexibility and allows for smooth adjustments where the fitter finds it needed. The technical effects of this invention are improved precision and efficiency in electrode fitting procedures.

Problems solved by technology

In cases of severe to profound hearing loss, these hearing aids are not powerful enough.

If the ear damage is too severe, amplifying sound using a traditional hearing aid are generally not helpful.

This is a time consuming exercise.

There is currently no means of comparing loudness sensation between various broader frequency bands like e.g. audiometric frequencies involving multiple electrode stimulations.

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